YSC’s programs and events are all created by the youth and for the youth with the supervision and management of staff. The effectiveness and success of the programs are due to the integration of youth in the planning and implementation process. All members of YSC have a vested interest in each program because in actuality they helped create it. Programs such as a community newspaper, a community garden, a soccer league, college preparatory classes and art & design classes are ideas created by the youth, as they are the ones who best know their own needs and the needs of Pacoima.
Click on the “Categories” section on the left margin to access a description of current Youth Speak Collective programs.
Youth Empowerment
YSC gives youth the opportunity to create programs for themselves. Each Youth Speak program is designed and implemented by a council of young student leaders facilitated by the Youth Speak. In the YSC model, youth act as planners and stakeholders in all programs, and in the process they acquire new competencies and find a positive sense of self-worth, purpose, and identity.
Educational Support
YSC offers a variety of educational services to help youth graduate from high school and continue on to higher education or a vocational career. These services focus on increasing the youths’ employability and connecting them to higher education. Services include academic tutoring, SAT prep, California High School Exit Exam Prep, and college essay writing workshops. YSC provides academic support for hundreds of high school youth per day.
Creative Expression
YSC programs support youth producing original works of art, film and writing. Through a collaborative creative process, youth learn to work in partnership with their peers.
Family Support
YSC provides support systems so that youth and families can obtain the information and skills necessary to engage in personal and family development, pursue higher education, gain employment, transition from poverty to self-sufficiency, and enhance the community.
